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Viewing comments for Chapter 19 "Swan Mountain Wrangler"
Free verse poems

18 total reviews 
Comment from RodG
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Oh, do I like this poem. YOU PUT US THERE on that trail in the Swan Mountains, riding single file behind your guide. I really like how you identify her with those ripped boots in both the first and last stanzas. Some really sharp imagery such as your personification of the forest with "broad shoulders"and "the green just blazes in wet light." But what I like best is how well we get to know that guide who will "never leave that place/the humorsof it are buried too deep within her." This is one of your best!
Rod

 Comment Written 30-Sep-2018


reply by the author on 01-Oct-2018
    Thanks, Rod, I was fascinated by her, obviously. Such a tough little thing, and curious about the world. But I really don't see her leaving - I have a feeling her family is poor, and things like new boots just don't happen. To be honest, I was tempted to find her through the outfitting company and buy the boots for her...but I don't even know her name.
    I appreciate your support and the six stars :))
    Carol
reply by RodG on 01-Oct-2018
    My pleasure. A terrific poem. Rod
Comment from CD Richards
Excellent
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Ah, this brings back memories of trail rides in the mountains not far from here, a couple of decades ago now. Lots of lovely experiences, and a couple of painful ones. This is obviously a bit more recent, judging by the person taking photos with their phone. The scenery looks delightful.

I love the way you've used the worn out old boots as a focal point, and also how you've tied the Wrangler in so closely to the place. Excellent job, Carol.

 Comment Written 30-Sep-2018


reply by the author on 30-Sep-2018
    Uh oh, what are your painful memories about trail rides? I can only imagine. I went on some US Forest Service horses once that were terrible - realllly slow on the way up the trail, then ran and bucked on the way back down.

    I guess those boots made an impression on me - they were in ROUGH shape. I don't think she had the money to buy new ones, nor her parents, which is sad. For some reason kept thinking about her, all these months since I did that ride.

    Carol
reply by CD Richards on 30-Sep-2018
    Oh, nothing terribly serious. Just once or twice when the horse and I had different opinions about which fork to take. The thing about forest trails is that they tend to be covered in rocks and pointy sticks! I didn't break anything, but I do remember opening my eyes and looking up to see a bunch of faces, some looking concerned and some laughing. The last thing I recall prior to that was doing a pretty darn good impersonation of Superman in flight. Fun times :-)
reply by the author on 30-Sep-2018
    Oh dear! You got a very opinionated horse from the sounds of it. That one that was kicking has moments like that, lol, can be a handful. You should write a poem about your experience, how about that? :))
Comment from chrissy8
Excellent
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Very good poem! I like the story you tell within the poem. And so describe the boots. Great picture too to accompany. Very descriptive. Thank you for adding the authors notes.

 Comment Written 29-Sep-2018


reply by the author on 30-Sep-2018
    Thank you so much!

    Carol
Comment from Ben Colder
Excellent
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Beautiful Montana I love so well. I find nothing wrong with this write. Makes me wish to fish the Madison River and spend time enjoying the scenery. Well done poet.

 Comment Written 29-Sep-2018


reply by the author on 30-Sep-2018
    The picture made me miss seeing Beargrass. If I go up there next August I know where to find some :))
    Carol
Comment from Y. M. Roger
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

In fact, her feet and those boots are like one....and her smile wouldn't be the same without the comfy, time-worn foot covers!! Carol, this is truly a gaming and, for lack of a better term, engaging write....you have truly managed to convey the peacefulness and the serenity of a ride on the trails here.....great job! ;) Thank you for sharing, ma'am!

 Comment Written 29-Sep-2018


reply by the author on 01-Oct-2018
    Thank you, I kind of felt bad for her to not be able to get new boots, but maybe one day...seriously, I have never seen such blown out footwear. I imagine her family doesn't have much money, poor thing. She and I grew up in the same state, yet in different worlds...
    Thanks so much for the review and six stars!!
    Carol
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
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How fun - thanks for the scenic view on this mountain horseback ride. We can enjoy through your eyes and observation without getting our feet wet. Enjoyed the alliteration (runnels of rain) and sights (rain streaked glasses) and feeling and hearing the drips. Really well done!

 Comment Written 29-Sep-2018


reply by the author on 01-Oct-2018
    Thank you, it really was amazingly beautiful. I grew up further east in Montana and it's drier - Glacier Park is really almost a rain forest.
    Thanks for reading and your kind comments!
    Carol
Comment from Tina Crute
Excellent
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I love the specific thoughts and descriptions you use to introduce us to the main character. She sounds like a person who feels at peace with her life. She doesn't mind doing that trail with " would-be cowpokes" over and over, because she loves the land. This would be a good cover description for a book. Your ability to set a scene AND help me know the character make me want to read more! Great writing!

 Comment Written 29-Sep-2018


reply by the author on 01-Oct-2018
    There is a kind of zen quality to doing physical work, which I used to do myself in younger years. I imagine that's what it's like for these young folks, mostly girls - ranch girls. Thanks for enjoying the story, I enjoyed your comments!
    Carol
Comment from tfawcus
Excellent
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What a marvellously atmospheric poem and such a fine pen-picture of the central character, too! I could almost smell the dampness in the air and the steam from the horses' backs! Just one line to query - "with blindfolded," - would the single word "blindfold" or "blindfolded" do it?

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 Comment Written 29-Sep-2018


reply by the author on 29-Sep-2018
    Oh, with blindfold it is. That was a late edit that I didn't do correctly. Thanks for reading, Tony!
    Carol